Festa preparations know no limits in Malta. People seem to risk life and limb in making sure it’s alright on the night. But scaling belfries and domes without safety equipment? All part of the tradition!

It’s coming up to Holy Communion time of year in Malta! Liittle kids, angelic in their fancy frocks and stiff suits take their first religious right of passage. Here’s one mum’s proud but bemused view of it all…

Will Malta’s parish priests get to meet the man or just see a papal wave from a high-speed Popemobil? More importantly, will Pope Benedict’s visit to Malta in April be more than just a rallying cry to the already faithful?

It dominates the rhythms of Malta’s daily life, from the bells ringing in mass at 4.30am to evening catechism classes for kids. We’re never far from religion in Malta, and never far from hot debate about it either.